Method of and apparatus for lining metal pipes



May 28, 1935. J. R. MowANE METHOD OF AND ARPARATUS FOR LINING METAL PIP 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed May 25, 1955 m w Il mmm.

Y@ -.IMMmn May 28, 1935. J. R. McwANE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR LINvING METAL PIPES Filed May 25, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IIIII n Trium.

anali May 28, 1935.

J. R. McwANE 2,002,701

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR LINING METAL PIPES Filed May 25, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented May 28, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE METHOD 0F AND APPARATUS' FOR LININ LIETAL PIPES James R. McWane, Birmingham, Ala.; A. T.

McWane, William McWane, and Jelks H. Cabaniss, executors of said James R. McWane, deceased, assgnors to McWane Cast Iron Pipe Co., Birmingham, Ala..v

Application May 25, 1933, Serial No. 672,887

tion will be more clearly understood by follow-j ing the description, the appended claims', and the several vviews illustrated in the accompanying drawings l In the drawings: I y Figure 1 is a horizontal longitudinal sectional view showing the means for rotating the pipe and simultaneously applying water to the inner surface thereof, j

Figure Y2 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view thereof,

Figure 3 is. an enlarged cross sectional view through the pipe and watering trough, the latter being shown in its normal position/` Figure 4 Ais an enlarged cross sectional view through the watering trough, the latter being shown tilted to determine the amount of water to be deposited in the pipe, l

Figure 5 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view showing the means for blowing'a dry mixture of cement and sand against the wet inner surface of the pipe while the latter is being rotated to form a lining for said pipe,

Figure li is an enlarged view, partly in section, of the nozzle shown in Figure 5,

Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through the pipe and showing the nozzle in end elevation,

Figure 8 is a detail cross-sectional view takenon the line 8-8.of Figure 6,

Figure 9 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view'showing the means for smoothing the cemenving parts throughout the several figures of the titious lining of the pipe while the latter is being rotated and whilethe lining is moist,

Figure 10 isa cross-sectional view taken on the line Ill-I0 of Figure 9, and

Figure 11 is a side elevation smoothing head.'

vLike reference numerals designate correspondof the expansible drawings.

.As previously stated my invention is' directed to the methodof 4applying aA cementitious lining to the inner surface of a metal pipe, and in the (c1. ca -ss) means for carrying out the various steps in this method. The method in its specific aspect consists in constantly rotating the metal pipe about its longitudinal axis, then while the pipe is being rotated applying water or other suitable liquid to the inner surface thereof so as to properly moisten the same, then while the'pipe is being rotated -blowing a dry mixture of cement and sand or other liquid-absorbent material against the liquid coated inner surface of the pipe to form a resultant lining for the latter, and iinally smoothing the surface of the lining while the latter is moist. Referring particularly to Figures 1 to 4, I have shown a metal pipe A which is supported and .1 rotated constantly about its longitudinal axis by means of roll's 5. A water trough B is first manually positioned longitudinally within the pipe,

the trough containing water or other suitable liquid 6. 'Ihis trough is preferablyformed from a length of pipe andhas its upper portion cut away to form resultant open top portions 1 and intermediate semi-circular bridge portions 8, the ends of the trough B are suitably closed and positioned in the trough at spaced intervals is a l series of baille plates 9. This trough is supported by a carriage I0 of angle iron construction through the medium of loops Il which surround the bridge portions 8 and have their free ends rigidly connected with the carriage,the loops being of a size to permit the trough to be oscillated.

about its longitudinal axis and thereby permit the water or other liquid 6 owing outwardly through the open top I when the trough is tilted, as shown 4 in Figure 4. In order to oscillate the trough, a

handle I2 is attached to one end thereof. The amount of oscillation which maybe imparted to the trough in 'one direction may be regulated by an adjusting screw Il which is. mounted in a lug Il fixed to the trough whereby said screw may be adjustably engaged with the carriage Il. operator may hold the carriage I0 against movement by use of the handle I5. In order to iacilv itate the insertion and removal of the trough B and also to assist in preventing the trough from being carried around by lthe pipe during the ,me tation of the latter, the carriage Mis provided with two or more anti-friction ,balls I 0 whichI are balls I6 riding along the inner surface of the pipe.

The operator then holds the handle I5 of the carriage I0 and by means of the handle I2 oscillates the trough B in a clockwise direction whereby the water or other liquid 6 is caused to flow outwardly from the trough and onto the inner surface of the pipe which is being constantly rotated. By this means the entire inner surface of the pipe is coated with water or other liquid, and the amount of water thus deposited may be readily governed by adjusting the stop screw I3 as will be understood. v

The trough B is then withdrawn properly to enable carrying out the next step in my invention. 'I'he next step of my invention consists in blowing a dry mixture of cement and sand or other cementitious material radially against the moist inner surface of the pipe. YTo this end, I have provided a hopper I8 for containing a supply of mixed sand and cement I8 or the like andA have mounted this hopper on a truck 20 which in turn is movable along rails 2I toward and from the pipe A and in a path in alinement with the longitudinal axis of said pipe. Projecting laterally from the bottom of the hopper I 8 is a mixing chamber 22 and a power operated conveyor screw 23, which is located in the bottom of the hopper I8, functions to feed the material I9 into the mixing chamber 22. A conveyor pipe 24 extends from the end of the mixing chamber 22 opposite the feed screw 23 and is adapted to be projected axially within the pipe A. .Attached to the projecting end of the pipe'24 by a coupling 25 is a flared discharge nozzle 26.- Threaded onto the outer end of the nozzle 26 and retained against relative movements therewith by a set screw 2'I is a head 28 having a plurality of radially extending openings 29. In order to support the nozzle in spaced relation to the inner surface of the pipe A, I have provided a shoe 30 having its lower surface 3I transversely curved as shown in Figures 7 and 8 particularly. This shoe is provided with van integral upstanding wing 32 which ts between depending ears 33, 33 and is secured thereto by bolts 34. Disposed within the mixing chamber 22 is an ejector nozzle 35 which is connected by a pipe 36 to a source of compressed air. Located in the pipe 36 for controlling the passage of air to the nozzle 35 is a hand valve 31. A bypass 38 has one end connected to the pipe 36 at a point between the nozzle 35 and the valve 3'I and has its other end connected to themixing chamber 22. The end of the by-pass 38 is connected to the mixing chamber 22 between the discharge end of the nozzle 35 and the feed screw 23. Disposed in the by-pass 38 is a hand controlled valve 39 for regulating the amount of air which passes through this by-pass into the mixing chamber in rear ofthe nozzle 35.y

As thus far described, it will be apparent that after the inner surface of the pipe A has been thoroughly'moistened by coating the entire surface with water, the watering trough B is withdrawn. The truck 20 is then moved along the rail 2| andthe nozzle 26 is projected longitudinally within the pipe A, the shoe 30 supporting the nozzle in spaced relation to the inner surface of the fed by the screw 23 into the mixing chamber 22.

The material within this mixing chamber is then agitated and will be mixed by air entering said chamber through the by-pass 38. This dry material is then fed into the pipe 24 by means of the air blast issuing from the ejector nozzle 35. 'Ihe mixture is then conducted along the pipe 24 and ejected radially from the nozzle 26 against the inner moist surface of the pipe A. 'I'his dry mixture absorbs the moisture and in this manner adheres to the inner surface ofthe pipe. The shoe 30 which supports the nozzle rides on the moist lining as shown particularly in Figure 5, and after the lining has thus been applied to the pipe the nozzle is Withdrawn therefrom.

After the lining has been applied to the inner surface of the pipe asimmediately above described, I then smooth the surface of the lining while the latter is moist and while the pipe is being rotated. To this end, I provide a smoothing device as shownin Figures 9, 10 and 111 and which is adapted to be inserted longitudinally within the pipe. This device comprises a tube 40 which is connected at one end by a flexible hose 4I to a source of compressed air, a valve 42 being positioned in the line to control the amount of air passing therethrough.v The opposite end of the tube 40 is sealed by a plug 43 and an expansible `and contractible tubular head 44 surrounds the tube 40 and has its spaced ends sealed around the tube by means of clamps 45, 45. The tube 40 between the clamps 45, 45 is formed with a plurality Vof openings 46 by means of which air may pass outwardly from the tube 40 into the flexible head 44 and thereby expand the latter. In operation the headed end of the tube 40 is inserted longitudinally within the rotating pipe A and the valve 42 is then opened. This permits compressed air to expand the head 44 against the surface of the moist lining. Then while the tube is being rotated the smoothing device is moved back and forth longitudinally of the pipe and as a result the surface of the lining is smoothed throughout the length of the pipe. The valve 42 is then closed andthe device is withdrawn from the pipe.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that I have provided a method of lining the inner surfaces of pipes with a cementitionus material and that this method consists in rst moistening the entire inner surface of the pipe by applying water theretol while the pipe is'being rotated about its longitudinal axis; secondly, in blowing a dryl cementitious material against the .moistened surface of the pipe while the latter is being rotated;

and thirdly, to smooth the'lining of the pipe` while the pipe is being rotated coating th'e whole of the interior surface of the pipe with a liquid, and then while the pipe is being thus rotated applying a liquid-absorbent material to said liquid.

coated interior surface to form to said pipe.

2. The method of lining pipes, consisting in rotating the pipe about its longitudinal axis, then while the pipe is being rotated coating the whole a resultant lining of the interior. surface of the pipe with a liquid,

and then while the pipe is being thus rotated applying a liquid-absorbent material to said liquid coatedv interior surface to form a resultant lining to said pipe, and nally smoothing the lining material While the latter ismoist and while the pipe is being rotated.

3. The combination with a metal pipe; of means for supporting and rotating the pipe about its longitudinal axis; and means'operable during the rotation of the pipe for coating the inner surface of said pipe with a liquid, said coating means comprising a carriage movable longitudinally within the pipe, a liquid-containing trough having an open top and mounted on the carriage for oscillatory movements, and anti-friction balls mounted on the bottom of the carriagefor rolling conl tact with the pipe.

4. The combination with a metal pipe; of means for supporting and rotating the pipe about its longitudinal axis; and means operable during the rota-tion of the pipe for coating the inner surface of said pipe with a liquid, said coating means comprising acarriage movable longitudinally within the pipe, a liquid-containing trough having an open top and mounted on the carriage for oscillatory movements, and means cooperating between the trough'and the carriage to adjustably limit the oscillatory movement of the trough.

5. Means for lining metal pipes including a car- 4riage movable longitudinally within the pipe, a

liquid-containing trough having an open top and mounted on the carriage for oscillatory movements, and anti-friction balls mounted on the bottom of the carriage for rolling contact with the pipe.

6. 'Ihe combination with a metal pipe; of means for supporting and rotating the pipe about its, longitudinal axis; and means operable during the rotation of the pipe for coating the inner surface of said pipe with a liquid, said coating means comprising a carriage movable longitudinally within the pipe, a liquid-containing trough having an open top and mounted on the carriage for oscillatory movements, and handles respectively secured to the operating ends of the car iage and trough whereby the operator may hold the carriage with one hand and oscillate the trough with the other.

7. The combination with a metal pipe; of means for rotating the pipe aboutl its longitudinal axis; means for coating the whole of the inner surface ofthe rotating pipe witha liquid; and means operable while the latter is being rotated for blowing a dry cementitious material against the liquid coated inner surface of the pipe to form a lining for the latter.

8. 'I'he combination with a metal pipe; of means for rotating the pipe about its longitudinal axis; means for coating the whole of the inner surface of the rotating pipe with a liquid; and means operable while the latter is being rotated for blowingia dry cementitious material against the liquid vcoated inner surface of the pipe to form a lining for the latter, said material blowing means including a discharge nozzle movable longitudinally within the pipe, and a supporting shoe connected to the nozzle and having a transversely curved lower bearing surface.

9. Means for ,lining metal pipes including a nozzle movable longitudinally within the pipe and connected to a supply of dry cementitious material, pneumatic means for blowing the material outwardly through the nozzle, and a supporting shoe connected to the nozzle and having a 5 transversely curved lower bearing surface.

10. In apparatus for applying and smoothing moist cementitious linings in pipes, means movable longitudinally within the pipe for smoothing said lining and comprising a device having an expansible and contractible head.

1l. Means for smoothing the moist cementitious lining of metal pipes comprising a tube having one end adapted to be connected at one end to a source of fluid under pressure and having its other end closed, said tube having perforations adjacent its closed end, and a tubular smoothing head formed of expansible material disposed around the tube and-having its ends clamped to the tube on opposite sides of the perforations.

12. In apparatus for applying and smoothing moist cementitious linings in pipes, me'ans for rotating the pipe about its longitudinal axis, and means movable longitudinally within the pipe while the latter isbeing rotated for smoothing said lining and comprising a device having an expansible and contractible head.

13. The combination with a metal pipe, of means for rotating the pipe about its longitudinal axis, means for applying a liquid to the whole of the inner surface of the pipe while the latter is being rotated, and means for. applyingv a dry cementitious materialto the liquid coated surface of the pipe to form a therefor while the4 pipe is being rotated.

14. The combination with a metal pipe, of means for rotating the pipe about its longitudinal axis, means for applying a liquid to the inner surface ,of the pipe while the latter is being rotated, means for 'applying a dry cementitious material to the liquid coated surface of the pipe to form a lining` therefor while the pipe is being rotated, and means for smoothing the moistened lining while the pipe is being rotated. 'f

15. The method of lining pipes, consisting in rotating the pipe about its longitudinal axis, depositing in the pipe while rotating a predetermined amount of liquid sufficient to wet the entire interior of the pipe, and applying to the wet pipe interior a coating of dry cementitious material. l

. 16. The method of lining pipes, consisting in rotating the pipe about its longitudinal axis, depositing in the pipe while rotating and simultaneously throughout the length of the pipe a predetermined amount of liquid suilicient to wet .the entire interior of the pipe, and applying to the wet pipe interior a coating of dry cementitious material.

17. The method of lining pipes, consisting in rotating Vthe pipe about its longitudinal axis, depositing in the pipe while rotating a predetermined amount of liquid suilicient`to wet the entire interior of the pipe, and applying to the wet pipe interior a coating of dry cementitious material thereby forming a temporarily plastic lining, and nally smoothing the lining by pressure contact during continued rotation of the pipe.

JAMES R; MCWANE. 

